Unique Mother's Day Gifts

Before You Disappoint Mom Again, Check Out These Gift Ideas

It’s Mother’s Day soon. Time to pick up another bouquet of flowers and some drugstore chocolates.

Actually, that’s the absolute wrong way to go about it. If there’s a day to show your mom/the mother of your children you care about her, it’s Mother’s Day. This is an occasion to get her something that goes above and beyond the regular array of presents. These unique Mother’s Day gift ideas will show her that you put a little extra thought into your present (plus they won’t break the bank — or Mom’s heart). From unique twists on old standbyslike flowers, candles, and perfumes, to the latest phones and e-readers, and chic accessories and delicious indulgences — you can make her genuinely smile this year. Don’t get stuck picking uplast-minute Mother’s Day gifts. It’s an important day; here’s to not screwing it up.

Manduka Yoga Mat

If she is going to yoga several times a week, having her own mat is a good idea. Renting every time adds up. Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates mats cost a little more, but they feature a non-slip fabric-like surface and thick cushioning. Her joints and muscles will thank you. $90.00 at Amazon

Tom Dixon London Scented Candle

Do Mom (and Dad) a favor and replace her too-strong candles from the mall (y’know, the ones that that have names like BAHAMA BREEZE™ and PUMPKIN BUTTER CREAM) with a smart designer candle by Tom Dixon. Not only does it have a naturally great scent, but its marble lid and copper vessel also make it as pleasant visually as it is olfactorily.$80 at Amazon

Teavana PerfecTea Maker

If you hadn’t heard, tea is the new coffee. A Teavana tea maker brews two perfect cups of loose-leaf tea and is easy to clean. Along with a package of Oolong tea, it’s a delicious Mother’s Day gift that will make her think of you every time she puts the kettle on. %displayPrice% at %seller%

Noma: A Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine

Cookbooks by Rachael Ray, Jamie Oliver, and other pillars of The Food Network are all well and good, but this book from Copenhagen’s Noma is truly unique. Noma routinely tops lists of the best restaurants and, though she may not have the patience (or skills) to cook dishes that call for ingredients to be “submerged in liquid nitrogen”, it is a book that will definitely inspire.%displayPrice% at %seller%

Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash

Hand wash and beauty creams aren’t exactly unique, but that’s because you’re buying them from the wrong places. The cheap stuff from places like Bath & Body Works isn’t impressing anybody. Upgrade her skincare products by getting her a little something from Aesop. %displayPrice% at %seller%

AIAIAI Earphones

For the active mom, get a pair of lightweight ergonomic in-ear earphones. Whether she likes to listen to music while on the treadmill or commuting, AIAIAI earphones deliver clear, quality sound packed into sleek Danish design.%displayPrice% at %seller%

J. Crew Pajama Set

Mom deserves both comfort and style. There’s also some pretty baggy and garish sleepwear out there. Get her a classic-looking pair of pajamas that will have her looking and feeling sophisticated, even while she’s relaxing on a Sunday morning. $80 at J.Crew

Vosges Truffles

The old fallback, a plain box of chocolates, will do just fine, but throw Mom a curveball by getting her artisanal truffles. This pack of exotic Vosges truffles contains interesting flavours like paprika, hickory-smoked bacon, Indian curry, and vanilla bean mixed with delicious varieties of chocolates, and varieties of nuts. $75 at Vosges

Kindle Paperwhite

Yes, a full-size tablet is a litter sleeker, a little sexier — but if she’s a reader - the Kindle Paperwhite does one thing and one thing very well. It offers incredible readability. Extra points for preloading it with a few of her favorite titles.%displayPrice% at %seller%